A Gift of Love & Appreciation: Homemade Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge

When I was growing up, my Dad worked as a mail carrier, walking the same mail route and delivering the daily mail to the same people for over twenty years. When the Christmas season came along, his customers showed their appreciation for his work by showering him with all kinds of homemade goodies. I remember eagerly awaiting his arrival home each day so I could see what treats he’d received, and so I could help him unwrap any that needed unwrapping, of course.

Those homemade gifts made a definite impression on me as a kid. To this day, some twenty to thirty years later, I still remember the goodies, who made them, and exactly how some of them tasted. I knew from these homemade gifts that my Dad was loved and appreciated. Which is most likely why I get so much joy out of giving homemade treats now myself.

Cooking up gifts like this Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge for family, friends and neighbors is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Not only do homemade treats pass along an extra-special touch of love, they also give me the opportunity to combine two of my favorite traditions: Christmas baking and gift-giving. And the happy smiles that come along with giving homemade treats are most certainly a wonderful bonus!

One thing is for sure this Christmas, this fudge will be on my holiday gift-giving list. I can’t wait to get in the kitchen with my Mom to whip up several batches of yumminess. It’s so good I won’t be able to give it all away, though. I’ll have to keep at least a little as a gift for myself.